Image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

A touch key of an operation console includes a circuit board ( 310 ) having a light source ( 312, 314 ), a light transmitting portion ( 322 ) transmitting light, a non-transparent light shielding portion ( 324 ) and a semi-transparent operation panel ( 300 ) covering upper surfaces of the light transmitting portion and the light shielding portion. The light transmitting portion accommodates the light source. The surfaces of light transmitting portion and light shielding portion in contact with each other are tightly sealed, and the circuit board ( 310 ) and the light shielding portion ( 324 ) cover the light transmitting portion ( 322 ) such that the light is emitted only from the surface in contact with the operation panel ( 300 ). Thus, leakage of light from around a figure indicating a touch key can be prevented, and the operation console comes to have a high-class look.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an operation console for an imageprocessing apparatus and, more specifically, to an operation consolehaving a high-class looking and allowing a user to easily grasp roles(functions) of operation keys by illuminating characters, figures andthe like displayed on operation keys from the backside with a lightsource such as an LED element.

BACKGROUND ART

As one type of image processing apparatuses as electronic equipment, anMFP (MultiFunction Peripheral) having a plurality of functions includingcopy function, printer function, scanner function and facsimile functionhas been known. Such an image processing apparatus requires manyinstructions and settings, and the settings are complicated. For thisreason, a touch-panel display is often used for its operation console.

A touch-panel display is a device that detects a touch by a user, and itincludes a display panel formed, for example, of a liquid crystal paneland a touch-panel placed on the display panel, for detecting a touchedposition. On the touch-panel display, software keys are displayed, andby touching the displayed keys, the user can enter instructions to theimage processing apparatus. Even in such an image processing apparatus,however, for some functions (power on/off, power saving mode on/off,etc.), individual hardware keys are allocated and arranged on theoperation console.

What is required of the operation console is not only having thefunction of entering instructions to the image processing apparatus.Since the user continuously looks at the operation console while he/sheis operating the apparatus, the operation console may be regarded as theface of image processing apparatus. The impression of operation consoledecides the impression of the image processing apparatus as a whole.Therefore, to have the image processing apparatus considered to be asophisticated, high-class apparatus, the operation console must have ahigh-class look.

As an example of an operation console using a touch-panel, JapanesePatent Laying-Open No. 2010-86236 (hereinafter referred to as '236Reference) discloses a capacitance detection type touch-panel havingprotruding and recessed areas on its operation surface to preventtouching errors. On this touch-panel, recessed portions are formed atpositions corresponding to various keys on the operation surface, toimprove detection accuracy of key touching.

Sometimes, touch keys such as capacitance switches that can be operatedby a light touch in the similar manner as the touch-panel are used asindividual operation keys on the operation console. Such an operationkey is structured, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. An operation key 900has a key sheet 902 arranged on a housing (not shown) of an operationportion, and a circuit board 904 having LED elements 906 and 908 aslight sources is arranged therebelow. Between key sheet 902 and circuitboard 904, a transparent light guiding portion 910 that transmits lightemitted from LED elements 906 and 908 is positioned.

Key sheet 902 is formed, for example, of polycarbonate with a colorantdispersed therein, having low transmissivity to visible light, and onits surface, figures representing various keys are printed at positionscorresponding to respective keys. Specifically, the figure representinga key includes portions where ink is applied and other portions whereink is not applied. Light emitted from LED elements 906 and 908 passesthrough light guiding portion 910, enters key sheet 902 through an uppersurface of light guiding portion 910, and emitted out from an uppersurface of key sheet 902. In this manner, the figure printed on keysheet 902 is illuminated from the back side. Key sheet 902 has low lighttransmissivity at portions of the figure on which ink is not applied. Ifilluminated with light of a certain intensity or higher, however, ittransmits light to some extent and, therefore, the figure is displayedin a manner visually recognizable easily, on key sheet 902.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The touch-panel disclosed in '236 Reference, however, is not appropriateto provide a high-class look and to make the operation console moreappealing as a product.

Further, in operation key 900 shown in FIG. 1, though the light emittedfrom LED elements 906 and 908 is guided to the upper surface of lightguiding portion 910, the light also leaks from side surfaces of lightguiding portion 910. Therefore, while the figure displayed on key sheet902 is illuminated, portions surrounding the figure are slightly lit bythe light leaked in a direction oblique to the surface of key sheet 902.As the light leaks from portions other than the portion through whichemission of light is intended, the high-class look of operation keys islost and the high-class look of the operation console itself is lost.

Even when a touch-panel display is used for the operation console, someof the keys are implemented as hardware keys, and it is possible thatthe user inadvertently operates these keys erroneously, withoutrecognizing importance of the keys. For example, the user may easilypress an important hardware key (such as the power on/off key).

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operationconsole using the method of illuminating figures representing operationkeys from the back side, allowing easy recognition of operation keys bythe user, preventing leakage of light from portions surrounding thefigures representing operation keys and thereby providing a high-classlook, as well as to provide an image processing apparatus provided withthe operation console.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide an operationconsole having a touch-panel display and a plurality of operation keys,reflecting operational sensations of these on a key arrangement andthereby facilitating easy understanding of key roles (functions) by theuser, as well as to provide an image processing apparatus provided withthe operation console.

Solution to Problem

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an operationconsole including a touch-operation portion. The touch-operation portionis configured with a first touch-operation portion provided with atouch-panel type key, a second touch-operation portion provided with acapacitance type key, and a third touch-operation portion provided witha mechanical key. The first, second and third touch-operation portionsare arranged in areas different from each other.

Preferably, the second and third touch-operation portions are arrangedon upper and lower sides or on left and right sides of the firsttouch-operation portion, with the first touch-operation portion being areference.

More preferably, the first and third touch-operation portions arearranged on left and right sides of the second touch-operation portion,with the second touch-operation portion positioned in-between.

More preferably, the second touch-operation portion is positioned onupper and right sides of the first touch-operation portion with thefirst touch-operation portion positioned in-between, and the thirdtouch-operation portion is positioned on a lower side of the firsttouch-operation portion.

In this manner, on the operation console, keys having different touchsensations are arranged in different areas in accordance with the touchsensations and, therefore, the user does not feel any strangeness whenhe/she operates the keys.

Preferably, the operation console further includes a partitionseparating areas, in which the first, second and third touch-operationportions are respectively arranged, from each other.

More preferably, the partition is a frame surrounding at least one ofthe first, second and third touch-operation portions.

More preferably, the partition is each of areas of different colors inwhich the first, second and third touch-operation portions are arranged,respectively.

Preferably, the partition is a partition line arranged betweenneighboring areas among the areas in which the first, second and thirdtouch-operation portions are respectively arranged.

Since a partition or partitions are provided in this manner, areashaving different types of keys arranged can be clearly distinguishedfrom each other and, therefore, the user does not feel any strangenesswhen he/she operates the keys.

More preferably, the operation console further includes: a firstoperation portion on which the first and second touch-operation portionsare arranged; and a second operation portion on which the thirdtouch-operation portion is arranged. The first operation portion isrotatable such that an upper surface of an operation panel is arrangedtilted with respect to an upper surface of the second operation portion.

In this manner, since the touch-panel type keys and capacitance typekeys having similar operational sensations are arranged on the tiltablefirst operation portion and the mechanical keys are arranged on thefixed, untiltable second operation portion, it is possible for the userto understand the roles of respective keys easily when mechanical keysare used for relatively important keys such as the power key and,therefore, erroneous operation of an important key can be prevented.

More preferably, the first and second touch-operation portions and thethird touch-operation portion are separated by rotation of the firstoperation portion.

In this manner, areas having different types of keys arranged can beclearly distinguished from each other and, therefore, the user does notfeel any strangeness when he/she operates the keys.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides anoperation console, including a touch-operation portion. Thetouch-operation portion includes: a circuit board mounting a lightsource emitting visible light; a light transmitting portion transmittingthe visible light emitted from the light source; a light shieldingportion not transmitting the visible light emitted from the lightsource; and an operation panel in contact with an upper surface of thelight transmitting portion. The circuit board and the light shieldingportion accommodate the light source, and the light shielding portioncovers the light transmitting portion such that the light emitted fromthe light source is emitted through the upper surface of the lighttransmitting portion.

In this manner, the light emitted from the light source does not leakfrom the side surfaces and it can efficiently be emitted from the uppersurface of the light transmitting portion. Therefore, different from aconventional example in which portions surrounding the operation key aredimly lit by the leaked light, the operation console comes to have ahigh-class look.

Preferably, the operation panel is semi-transparent.

This further improves the high-class look of the operation console.

More preferably, at least one of a prescribed figure, character and signis formed by printing on the upper surface of the light transmittingportion.

In this manner, figures or the like related to the functions of thetouch operation portion are formed on the upper surface of the lighttransmitting portion, so that it becomes possible to display the figuresor the like as if they are raised on the operation panel. This furtherimproves the high-class look of the operation console.

More preferably, the operation panel has a recessed portion at aposition opposite to a portion in contact with the upper surface of thelight transmitting portion; the recessed portion is formed of aplurality of curved surfaces having different curvatures; and of theplurality of curved surfaces forming the recessed portion, the curvatureradius of the curved surface positioned at the center is larger than thecurvature radius of a curved surface positioned at a periphery.

In this manner, a recessed portion is formed at a position in contactwith the light emitting portion of the operation panel and, therefore,touching by the user becomes easier. Further, since the recess is formedby a plurality of curved surfaces with different curvatures, the borderbetween the curved surfaces appears as a circular edge. This improvesvisibility to the user. Further, of the plurality of curved surfacesforming the recessed portion, one positioned at the center is adapted tohave a nearly planar shape. Therefore, the figure or the like that cometo be displayed by the back light is not distorted. This furtherimproves the high-class look of the operation console.

Preferably, the light transmitting portion and the light shieldingportion are arranged below an operation area of the operation panel.

Thus, the operation console comes to have a high-class look.

More preferably, the circuit board covers a back surface of the lighttransmitting portion; and the light shielding portion covers surfacesother than the upper surface and the back surface of the lighttransmitting portion.

This prevents leakage of light that leads to lower quality of theoperation console.

More preferably, the light source is arranged in a recessed portionformed at a periphery of the light transmitting portion; and therecessed portion is formed at a position preventing direct emissionwithout reflection of the light emitted from the light source throughthe upper surface of the light transmitting portion.

Therefore, the light emitted from the light source is diffused andemitted as light having uniform brightness from the upper surface of thelight transmitting portion. Therefore, the displayed figure is notpartially made bright, and good figure of uniform brightness can bepresented to the user.

Preferably, the light transmitting portion and the light shieldingportion are formed integrally by two-color molding of resin using amold.

In this manner, since the light transmitting portion and the lightshielding portion are formed by two-color molding, the joining portionbetween these can easily be tight-bonded and leakage of light can beprevented.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides an imageprocessing apparatus including the above-described operation console andan image processing unit performing an image processing operation on animage, and in response to an instruction of image processing enteredfrom the operation console, the image processing unit is caused toexecute the instructed image processing.

In this manner, with the operation console in accordance with thepresent invention, the user does not feel any strangeness when he/sheoperates keys of different tactile sensations, and the image processingapparatus as a whole comes to have a high-class look.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, when the user operates keys ofdifferent types of different tactile sensations, he/she does not feelany strangeness, and he/she can easily understand the key roles(functions).

Further, the light emitted from the light source doe not leak from theside surfaces, and it can efficiently be emitted from the upper surfaceof light transmitting portion. Therefore, different from a conventionalexample in which portions surrounding the operation key are dimly lit bythe leaked light, the operation console comes to have a high-class look.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a conventionalhardware key having LED elements.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an appearance of the image processingapparatus provided with the operation console in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the operation console in accordancewith the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a part of the operation console shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section taken alongthe line AA of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a circuit board.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a front side surface of lightguiding portion.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a back side surface of lightguiding portion.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the light guiding portion showing thelight transmitting portion and the light shielding portion separately.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the back surface of operationconsole on which the light transmitting portion and the light shieldingportion are mounted.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the back surface of operationconsole on which the circuit board is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an arrangement of operation keys on theoperation console in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an arrangement of operation keys on theoperation console different from FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an arrangement of operation keys on theoperation console in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the operation console having partitionsformed thereon.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the operation console having partitionsformed thereon, different from FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an arrangement of operation keys on theoperation console in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the light guiding portion formingthe selection key of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a circuit board forming the selection keyof FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an operation console having partitionsformed thereon.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing an operation console having partitionsformed thereon, different from FIG. 21.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by thesame reference characters. Their names and functions are also the same.Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment

An image processing apparatus provided with the operation console inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention includescopy function, printer function, scanner function and facsimilefunction. Referring to FIG. 2, image processing apparatus 100 includesan operation console 110 for entering instructions to image processingapparatus 100, an image reading unit 112, an automatic document feeder(ADF) 114 positioned above image reading unit 112, an image processingunit 116 positioned below image reading unit 112, a paper feed unit 118and paper discharge tray 120.

In addition to the components mentioned above, image processingapparatus 100 includes a modem for connection to a telephone line, andan NIC (Network Interface Card) for connection to a communication line.Further, image processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU for controllingvarious units, an ROM storing programs to be executed by the CPU torealize prescribed functions, an RAM and the like.

On operation console 110 in accordance with the present embodiment,various operation keys and a touch-panel display are arranged. Aninstruction to image processing apparatus 100 is entered by theoperation of operation console 110 by the user. For example, assume thata document is to be copied. When the user sets the document on ADF 114,sets copy conditions and touches a start key (software key) displayed ontouch-panel display, image processing apparatus 100 starts copying ofthe document. ADF 114 feeds the document to a reading position on aplaten glass (not shown), image reading unit 112 reads the surface ofthe document and image data is generated. Image processing unit 116executes a prescribed image processing operation on the generated imagedata, and forms an image by toner on a sheet of recording paper fed frompaper feed unit 118. Thereafter, the sheet of recording paper having theimage thus formed is discharged to paper discharge tray 120.

Referring to FIG. 3, operation console 110 consists of a first operationportion 200 and a second operation portion 220. The first operationportion 200 has a touch-panel display 202 and a home key 204.Touch-panel display 202 includes a display panel formed, for example, ofa liquid crystal panel, and a touch-panel positioned on the displaypanel, for detecting a touched position. In FIG. 3, a basic screen imageof image processing apparatus 100 is displayed on touch-panel display202 (display panel). On the basic screen image, keys (software keys) fordisplaying screen images for settings related to the copy, print, andscanner functions, respectively, are displayed.

Home key 204 is a hardware key. The screen image displayed ontouch-panel display 202 changes variously (screen images maketransitions) in accordance with the state of image processing apparatus100. Home key 204 is to return the display on touch-panel display 202 tothe basic screen image. Specifically, when home key 204 is pressed, thebasic screen image appears on touch-panel display 202.

The second operation portion 220 includes a power key 222 and an energysaving key 224, which are hardware keys, and an LED lamp 226. Power key222 is for turning on/off the power to image processing apparatus 100.Energy saving key 224 is to cause transition of image processingapparatus 100 to a power saving state or from the power saving state toa normal state. LED lamp 226 is lit when image processing apparatus 100is on.

The present embodiment is characterized by the structure of home key204. FIG. 4 shows a line AA passing near the center of home key 204,along the longitudinal direction of operation console 200. In thefollowing, the structure of home key 204 will be described in detailwith reference to FIG. 5 showing a cross-section along the line AA.

Referring to the cross-section on the lower part of FIG. 5, home key 204includes a circuit board 310 having LED elements 312 and 314 mountedthereon, and a light guiding portion 320 for guiding light emitted fromLED elements 312 and 314 in a prescribed direction. These are arrangedbelow an operation panel (hereinafter simply referred to as a panel)forming a surface of first operation portion 200, and supported andfixed by a frame 400 (see FIG. 6). That portion of panel 300 which ispositioned above light guiding portion 320 is also an element forminghome key 204.

Panel 300 is formed of a semi-transparent member having lowtransmissivity to visible light. By way of example, panel 300 is formedof colorant-dissipated polycarbonate of smoky dark color (such as blackor brown), to attain high-class look. Panel 300 has light transmissivityto some extent only to light of prescribed brightness or higher.Therefore, when assembled as operation console 110, the inside ofoperation console 110 is not visible to the user through panel 300.

Referring to FIG. 7, circuit board 310 has LED elements 312 and 314.Further, circuit board 310 has electric lines for feeding electric powerfrom a power source to LED elements 312 and 314, and a capacitanceswitch. The capacitance switch is a known switch including electrodesand a detecting circuit for detecting a change in electrostaticcapacitance between the electrodes. LED elements 312 and 314 emit, forexample, white visible light. Electrodes of capacitance switch arearranged on an electrode arranging area 316. Circuit board 310 is formedof non-light-transmitting member that does not pass the light emittedfrom LED elements 312 and 314 (for example, epoxy resin containing glassfiber). Electrode arranging area 316 is coated white.

Light guiding portion 320 includes a light transmitting portion 322 anda light shielding portion 324. Light transmitting portion 322 is formedof a transparent member to pass the visible light emitted from LEDelements 312 and 314. Light transmitting portion 322 is formed, forexample, of polycarbonate. Light shielding portion 324 is of anon-light-transmitting member that does not pass the visible lightemitted from LED elements 312 and 314, and it is formed in tight contactwith light transmitting portion 322 to cover the peripheral portionexcept for the central portion of the upper surface (the surface on theside of panel 300) of light transmitting portion 322 and over the entireside surfaces. Light shielding portion 324 is formed, for example, ofpolycarbonate having black colorant dispersed therein.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples of light transmitting portion 322 and lightshielding portion 324. In FIG. 8, on the upper surface of lighttransmitting portion 322 not covered by light shielding portion 324 (theportion in contact with the back surface of panel 300), a figure of ahouse is printed to indicate that is it a home key. Hatched portion isprinted black, while unhatched portion is not printed but lefttransparent. As shown in FIG. 9, on the back surface of lighttransmitting portion 322, recessed portions (LED element receivingportions 326 and 328) are formed to accommodate LED elements 312 and314. When separated, light transmitting portion 322 and light shieldingportion 324 are as shown in FIG. 10. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the protrudingportion 330 of light transmitting portion 322 fit (in tight contact) toan opening 332 of light shielding portion 324.

Light transmitting portion 322 and light shielding portion 324 arepreferably formed by a known two-color molding (double molding) using amold (such as a metal mold) for resin molding. It is possible to formlight transmitting portion 322 and light shielding portion 324separately and then to fit and integrate the two portions. In order toattain tight contact leaving no space to prevent leakage of light, veryelaborate manufacturing technique is required. It is not easy to form anintegral body by fitting. It may be possible to form light shieldingportion 324 by printing (for example, by serigraph) on the surface oflight transmitting portion 322. It is necessary, however, to print notonly on the upper surface but also on side surfaces of lighttransmitting portion 322. Therefore, the printing work is complicatedand costly. By forming light transmitting portion 322 and lightshielding portion 324 by two-color molding, light transmitting portion322 and light shielding portion 324 are in tight contact and, therefore,leakage of light at the joining portion between light transmittingportion 322 and light shielding portion 324 can be prevented.

Since light guiding portion 320 is formed in this manner, the lightemitted from LED elements 312 and 314 positioned in LED elementreceiving portions 326 and 328 of light transmitting portion 322 entersthrough the curved surfaces of LED element receiving portions 326 and328 to light transmitting portion 322. As described later, on the backsurface of light transmitting portion 322 (the side facing circuit board310), circuit board 310 is mounted in tight contact and, hence, the backsurface is fully covered by circuit board 310. Electrode arranging area316 of circuit board 310 is in contact with light transmitting portion322. In this manner, light transmitting portion 322 has its sidesurfaces and the peripheral portion of the upper surface covered bylight shielding portion 324, and has its back surface in tight contactwith light non-transmitting circuit board 310. Therefore, the enteredlight is emitted only through the central portion of the upper surfaceof light transmitting portion 322.

Since LED elements 312 and 314 are arranged at portions covered by lightshielding portion 324 on a peripheral portion away from the center oflight transmitting portion 322, the light emitted from LED elements 312and 314 is not directly emitted through the upper surface (the portionnot covered by light shielding portion 324) of light transmittingportion 322. The light emitted from LED elements 312 and 314 isrepeatedly reflected by light shielding portion 324 and the surface ofcircuit board 310 while passing through light transmitting portion 322and therefore, the light is diffused. Thus, the light emitted from LEDelements 312 and 314 can be emitted uniformly from the upper surface oflight transmitting portion 322, with the light intensity not havinglocally high distribution. That the electrode arranging area 316 ofcircuit board 310 is coated white as described above is also effectiveto have the light from LED elements 312 and 314 emitted uniformly fromthe upper surface of light transmitting portion 322. Further, it ispreferable to have the back surface of light transmitting portion 322finished like frosted glass.

At that portion on the surface of panel 300 which corresponds to theupper surface (the portion not covered by light shielding portion 324)of light transmitting portion 322, a recessed portion 302 is formed. Asdescribed above, panel 300 is formed of polycarbonate of dark, smokycolor and has low light transmissivity. Therefore, here, the thicknessof panel 300 is reduced to let the light from LED elements 312 and 314emitted and to allow recessed portion 302 to be visibly recognized ashome key 204 by the user.

Specifically, the recessed portion 302 of panel 300 is formed as acurved surface (partial sphere) having a prescribed curvature radius R1at the center and a curved surface (partial sphere) of curvature radiusR2 smaller than R1. Specifically, the central portion of recessedportion 302 is formed less curved than the peripheral portion (the areahaving curvature radius R2). The center of the curved surface of centralportion and the center of the curved surface of peripheral portion arepreferably on the normal at the center of recessed portion 302. Thus, onpanel 300, two concentric edges are formed. FIG. 5 shows, on the upperhalf, a plan view of light guiding portion 320, in which a borderbetween the area of curvature radius R1 and the area of curvature radiusR2 is represented by a circle 304. A circle 306 represents an outerperiphery of the area of curvature radius R2 (the edge between the areaof curvature radius R2 and the flat portion). In FIG. 5, thecorresponding portions between the plan view on the upper half and thecross section on the lower half are connected by dotted lines.

Thus, the light emitted from the upper surface of light transmittingportion 322 and entered panel 300 from the back surface comes out fromthe surface of panel 300. Specifically, the user can visually recognizethe figure (including a character, a figure or the like) formed(printed) on the upper surface of light transmitting portion 322. Here,because of light shielding portion 324, the light is emitted onlythrough the upper surface of light transmitting portion 322 and,different from the conventional example (see FIG. 1), the light does notleak in the lateral direction of light guiding portion 320 and does notdimly illuminate the surroundings of the figure. This presents ahigh-class look to the user.

Since recessed portion 302 is formed of two surfaces of differentcurvatures, visibly recognizable two circular edges are formed at theboundary of these areas as described above. Therefore, the user caneasily understand that home key 204 is a touchable switch, the circle306 represents an operable area and that the inner circle 304 representsan area in which the touch detection sensitivity is high.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, mounting of light guiding portion 320 andcircuit board 310 to the first operation portion 200 will be described.Light guiding portion 320 is inserted to an opening formed in a frame400 arranged at a position slightly lower (a position closer to thesurface of operation console 110) than the back surface 402 of firstoperation portion 200 (see FIG. 6). FIG. 11 shows the back surface oflight guiding portion 320, that is, the rear surfaces of lighttransmitting portion 322 and light shielding portion 324. Thethicknesses of light guiding portion 320 and frame 400 are designed suchthat the back surface of light guiding portion 320 and the surface offrame 400 are substantially at the same level and no step is formedtherebetween.

In the state shown in FIG. 11, circuit board 310 is mounted. On frame400, supporting portions 410 and 412 having L-shaped cross sections anda fixing portion 414 with a hook are formed. Supporting portions 410 and412 can accommodate two corners of circuit board 310 with substantiallyno space to frame 400. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 7, a corner 420 ofcircuit board 310 is inserted to supporting portion 410, a corner 422 isinserted to supporting portion 412 and, in this state, a side 424opposite to these two corners of circuit board 310 is pushed by externalforce to frame 400, so that the side 424 of circuit board 310 is fixedby the hook of fixing portion 414. In this manner, that surface ofcircuit board 310 on which LED elements 312 and 314 are formed can bebrought to tight contact with the back surface of frame 400 and lighttransmitting portion 322 (electrode arranging area 316 of circuit board310 comes to be in tight contact with light transmitting portion 322).Therefore, the light emitted from LED elements 312 and 314 does not leakto the outside from the back surface of light transmitting portion 322.

With operation console 110 structured as described above, it is possibleto irradiate the figure represented by home key 204 efficiently anduniformly from the back side, and irradiation of surrounding portions ofthe figure by the laterally leaked light can be prevented. This leads toa high-class look of operation console 110.

Though an example in which the figure is printed only on the uppersurface of light transmitting portion 322 is shown in FIG. 8, printingmay be done on the entire upper surface of light guiding portion 320including the upper surface of light shielding portion 324. The figureto be printed is not limited to a figure of a house. Any figure,character or sign in accordance with the key function may be used.

The number of LED elements is not limited to two. One, or three or moreLED elements may be arranged on the circuit board. In that case also,the recessed portion or portions for accommodating the LED elementsshould preferably be formed at the peripheral portion of lighttransmitting portion 322.

The light source is not limited to LED elements 312 and 314. Any lightsource that can emit visible light and irradiate the figure representinghome key 204 from the back side may be used. The shape and color of LEDelements 312 and 314 are not limited to the above. By way of example, adome shaped LED element may be used. An LED element emitting visiblelight of red, blue, etc. may be used.

The shape of recessed portion formed on light transmitting portion 322to accommodate the LED element is not limited to the shape shown in FIG.9. It may have any shape by combining a plurality of curved and flatsurfaces.

Though a capacitance switch is used as the home key in the exampleabove, it is not limiting. Any type of switch may be used provided thatthe shape of the switch does not much change when it is pressed and thatthe on/off can be detected simply by a light touch.

Further, the shape of light guiding portion 320 is not limited to theshape with six corners formed by cutting out corners of a rectangle whenviewed two dimensionally as shown in FIG. 8, and it may have any shape.The corners are cut out in the example of FIG. 8 in order to uniquelydetermine the direction of mounting light guiding portion 320 on frame400.

If the shape printed on the upper surface of light transmitting portion322 is large and it is printed on the entire upper surface of lighttransmitting portion 322, light shielding portion 324 may not be formedto have an L-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, itmay be formed to cover only the side surface of light transmittingportion 322 and not the upper surface of light transmitting portion 322.In that case, the light transmitting portion does not have such a shapeas shown in FIG. 10 with a protruding portion 330 but it has a flatshape of uniform thickness, and the light shielding portion has such ashape that covers only the side surfaces of light transmitting portion.

Second Embodiment

The operation console in accordance with a second embodiment will bedescribed. The operation console in accordance with the secondembodiment is structured in the similar manner as the operation consolein accordance with the first embodiment, and mounted on image processingapparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The second embodiment differsfrom the first embodiment in the key arrangement on the operationconsole.

The operation console in accordance with the present embodiment includesa first operation portion 200 and a second operation portion 220. Asdescribed with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, on the firstoperation portion 200, touch-panel display 202 and home key 204 arearranged, and on the second operation portion 220, power key 222 andenergy saving key 224 are arranged.

Touch-panel display 202 is a device for detecting a touched position. Asthe method of detecting a touched position, capacitance method, infraredinterruption detecting method, surface acoustic wave method, resistivefilm method and the like have been known. By such a method, the user canoperate the apparatus by simply touching lightly or just bringinghis/her finger close to the surface of touch-panel display 202.

Home key 204 is, for example, a capacitance switch as described above,and by detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance, touching by afinger or the like (user operation) can be detected. As in the case oftouch-panel display, the user has only to touch lightly the home key 204with his/her finger or the like. Therefore, touch-panel display 202 andhome key 204 have similar operational sensations or feelings.

On the other hand, power key 222 and energy saving key 224 are keys inwhich contact points come into physical contact (hereinafter referred toas mechanical keys). By way of example, a tactile switch known by thetrade name of TACT Switch (registered trademark) or the like is used.These keys have important functions and, therefore have highreliability. It is necessary that these keys are operated by the userwith clear intention. Generally, for these keys, mechanical keys areused and touch keys, which can be operated by simple, light touch suchas capacitance switches, are not used. Such a mechanical key has itsshape changed in a clearly recognizable manner when it is pressed.Specifically, the user is aware of the pressing operation. Therefore,the operational sensation of power key 222 and energy saving key 224 ismuch different from that of touch-panel display 202 and home key 204.

Referring to FIG. 13, operation console 110 has a tilting mechanism 510at the boundary portion between the first operation portion 200 and thesecond operation portion 220 (lower side or inside of first and secondoperation portions 200 and 220). Tilting mechanism 510 is to rotate thefirst operation portion 200 around a rotation axis 512 by a prescribedangle. Specifically, the upper surface of first operation portion 200can be arranged (tilted) to form a prescribed angle with respect to theupper surface of the second operation portion 220. Any known mechanismmay be used for tilting mechanism 510 and, therefore, it is simplyschematically represented by a dotted line. The position where tiltingmechanism is to be provided is not limited to the position shown in FIG.13, and it may be arranged appropriately in accordance with the adoptedtilting mechanism.

The tilting function of first operation portion 200 is useful whentouch-panel display 202 is operated. The user operates touch-paneldisplay 202 for a relatively long time for setting image processingapparatus 100. Therefore, it is preferred that touch-panel display 202can be tilted to fit the height of the user. From this viewpoint, thefirst operation portion 200 having touch-panel display 202 arrangedthereon is provided with the tilting mechanism.

Three operation keys arranged on operation console 110 (that is, homekey 204, power key 222 and energy saving key 224) are arranged at thecenter of operation console 110, and keys having similar operationalsensations are arranged close to each other on opposite sides of theboundary between the portions to be tilted or not tilted.

Specifically, home key 204 is arranged on first operation portion 200that is tiltable and on which touch-panel display 202 is arranged. Powerkey 222 and energy saving key 224 of which operational sensation isdifferent from those above are arranged on the non-tiltable secondoperation portion 220. Home key 204 is arranged near the boundarybetween the first and second operation portions 200 and 220.

These three keys are arranged in the order of home key 204, energysaving key 224 and power key 222 from left to right along thelongitudinal direction of operation console 110. Further, these threekeys are arranged such that, along the direction orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction of operation console 110, home key 204 isarranged at a position closest to the user who operates the keys, andpower key 222 and energy saving key 224 are arranged on the deeper side.Power key 222 and energy saving key 224 are arranged apart by thedistance d1 from home key 204. Specifically, on the plan view of FIG.13, a line 502 passing through the centers of power key 222 and energysaving key 224 is apart by a distance d1 from the line passing throughthe center of home key 204 and parallel to the longitudinal direction ofoperation console 110. Specifically, power key 222 and energy saving key224 are arranged at positions away from the operating user than home key204.

Since the operation keys are arranged in view of similarity/differenceof operational sensations, the user does not feel any strangeness whenhe/she operates the keys. Particularly, since home key 204, which is atouch key, is arranged on the tiltable first operation portion 200 onwhich touch-panel display is arranged and mechanical keys used forrelatively important keys (power key 222 and energy saving key 224) arearranged on the non-tiltable, fixed second operation portion 220, theuser can easily understand the roles of the keys and, hence, erroneousoperations of important keys can be prevented.

Power key 222 may be arranged further deeper than energy saving key 224as shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, home key 204, energy saving key 224 andpower key 222 are arranged in this order from the side closest to theuser to the deeper side along the direction orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction of operation console 110. Specifically, the line504 passing through the center of power key 222 and parallel to thelongitudinal direction of operation console 110 is apart by a distanced2 from line 500. Here, d1<d2, and d2−d1 is smaller than d1.Specifically, energy saving key 224 and power key 222 are both arrangedat positions away from the operating user than home key 204, and powerkey 222 is arranged slightly further away from the operating user thanenergy saving key 224.

Though mechanical keys are used for power key 222 and energy saving key224 in the example above, mechanical keys may be used for other keys andthese keys may be arranged on the operation console 110. In that case,it is preferred that the mechanical keys are arranged on the secondoperation portion 220 near the boundary to the first operation portion200, in accordance with the degree of importance including power key 222and energy saving key 224.

Though an example in which operation console 110 has a tilting mechanismhas been described above, it is not limiting. The first operationportion 200 may not be tilted, if the first and second operationportions are formed as separate bodies with recognizable boundarytherebetween.

Third Embodiment

The method of arranging keys of different operational sensations indifferent areas is not limited to the second embodiment described above.In the operation console in accordance with the third embodiment of thepresent invention, keys of similar operational sensations are arrangedarea by area, and the operation console is provided with some objects toclearly distinguish the areas from each other.

Similar to the first embodiment, the operation console in accordancewith the third embodiment is mounted on an image processing apparatus.The characteristic is in the key arrangement different from those of theoperation consoles in accordance with the first and second embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 15, an operation console 600 in accordance with thepresent embodiment has a touch-panel display 610 arranged at the center,and various keys are arranged on the left and right sides thereof. As inthe first and second embodiments, touch-panel display 610 includes adisplay panel formed, for example, of a liquid crystal panel, and atouch-panel. As in the first and second embodiments, a capacitance type,infrared interruption type, surface acoustic wave type or resistive filmtype touch-panel may be used as the touch-panel.

In the capacitance type panel, an electric field is formed over theentire surface of touch-panel and a change in surface charge caused by atouch by a finger (dielectric body) is detected and thereby a touchedposition is specified. The capacitance type is advantageous in that ithas high response speed and high resolution. On the other hand, itdetects a light touch of a finger or detects a finger that comes closeto the panel while the panel is not substantially displaced (deformed)by the operation. Therefore, this type is prone to an operational erroror a detection error.

In resistive film type panel, parallel wires are provided on two glasssurfaces or film surfaces that are arranged in intersecting directions,and a voltage is applied to the wires. When a portion is touched, thatportion is rendered conductive and, by detecting a change in resistancevalue caused by the conduction, the touched position is specified. Theresistive film type is advantageous in that it allows operation by a penor gloved fingers and that it is relatively inexpensive. The resistivefilm type panel requires operation with higher force than thecapacitance type one, and it deforms to some extent by the operation.Therefore, it is less prone to an operational error or a detectionerror.

As compared with the mechanical keys that will be described in thefollowing, touch-panels of any type can be operated with weaker forceand not much displaced (deformed) by the operation and, therefore, theyare more prone to an operational error or a detection error.

FIG. 15 shows a home screen image displayed on touch-panel display 610.At an upper portion of the home screen image, characters “HOME” indicatethat it is a home screen image, and further, software keys (COPY, PRINT,FAX, FILING and SCAN keys) for displaying settings screen images relatedto the functions of image processing apparatus are displayed.

On an area 620 (hereinafter referred to as left area) on the left sideof touch-panel display 610 when viewed from the front side, capacitancetype keys (hereinafter referred to as capacitance keys) are arranged.The capacitance keys can detect a light touch of a finger or a fingercoming close as described above while they are hardly displaced(deformed) by the operation. Therefore, they are prone to an operationalerror or a detection error.

The capacitance keys arranged on the left area 620 are configured asshown in FIGS. 5 to 12, similar to home key 204 of the first embodiment.It is noted, however, that on the upper surface of protruding portion ofthe light transmitting portion forming each key (see protruding portion330 of light transmitting portion 322 shown in FIG. 10), a figure,character or the like different from home key 204 may be formed.

Referring to FIG. 15, on left area 620, a home key 622 and a job statuscheck key 624 are arranged. Home key 622 is to return the screen imagedisplayed on touch-panel display 610 (switched from the basic screenimage) to the basic screen image. Job status check key 624 is forchecking the progress of job status such as printing, and when it istouched, information representing the progress status of the job (forexample, “printing” or “waiting”) is displayed on touch-panel display610.

On an area 630 (hereinafter referred to as right area) on the right sideof touch-panel display 610 when viewed from the front side, mechanicalkeys, in which a contact points come to be in physical contact whenpressed, are arranged. Each mechanical key is characterized in that whena force is exerted, the key top gradually goes down and when it goesdown by a prescribed distance, contact points come to be in physicalcontact and turn on. Specifically, the shape of a mechanical key changesquite recognizably when pressed and, therefore, as compared with acapacitance key, the user can well recognize the pressing operation.Therefore, as compared with the touch-panel and the capacitance keys,the mechanical keys are less prone to an operational error.

Referring to FIG. 15, an energy saving key 632, ten-keys arranged on aten-key area 634, a clear key 636, a color copy start key 638, amonochrome copy start key 640 and a stop key 642 are arranged. Energysaving key 632 is for causing a transition of the image processingapparatus to the power saving state, or from the power saving state tothe normal state. Clear key 636 is for erasing all numerals and signsentered by the ten-keys and displayed on touch-panel display 610. Stopkey 642 is for stopping execution of a job.

In this manner, in accordance with the operational sensations of thekeys, touch-panel keys (software keys displayed on the touch-paneldisplay), capacitance keys and mechanical keys are arranged in separateareas, whereby it becomes easier for the user to recognize the roles(functions) of the keys, and an operation console having unity and asophisticated look can be provided.

For more clear distinction between these areas, it is preferred toprovide partitions such as shown in FIG. 16. On an operation console 650shown in FIG. 16, between touch-panel display and each of left and rightareas, first and second partition lines 652 and 654 are arranged.Further, around the touch-panel display, a clear first frame 660 isformed. On the left and right areas, second and third frames 662 and 664are formed as partitions.

By way of example, the first and second partition lines 652 and 654 andthe first to third frames 660 to 664 are printed in a prescribed coloror colors on the surface of operation console. These partitions may beformed as recessed portions or protruding portions by molding.

Though an example in which the first to third frames 660 to 664 areformed has been described above, it is not limiting. By way of example,various areas may have different colors as shown in FIG. 17.Specifically, these areas may be printed in different colors. On anoperation console 670, frames for respective areas are formed and, inaddition, the first to third areas 672 to 676 inside these frames areprinted in different colors. This makes it easier to clearly distinguishthese areas from each other. These areas may be formed by members ofdifferent colors, instead of printing in different colors.

Further, formation of partition lines, formation of frames and differentcoloring of areas in different colors may be appropriately combined todistinguish various areas on the operation console. By way of example,the first partition line 652 and the first frame 660 may be formed (seeFIG. 16), and the third area 676 (see FIG. 17) may be printed in a colordifferent from the first partition line 652 and the first frame 660.

Further, similar to the first operation portion 200 in accordance withthe second embodiment, the operation console in accordance with thepresent embodiment may have a tilting mechanism allowing a change in theangle of arrangement.

Fourth Embodiment

The operation console in accordance with the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. As in the first embodiment, theoperation console in accordance with the fourth embodiment is mounted onan image processing apparatus.

It is characterized in the key arrangement different from the operationconsoles in accordance with the first to third embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 18, an operation console 700 in accordance with thepresent embodiment has various keys on the upper and lower sides as wellas left and right sides of a touch-panel display 710 as a reference.

Touch-panel display 710 has, as in the first to third embodiments, adisplay panel formed of a liquid crystal panel or the like and atouch-panel. As in the first to third embodiments, the capacitance type,infrared interruption type, surface acoustic wave type or resistive filmtype touch-panel may be used for the touch-panel.

On touch-panel display 710, software keys are displayed, as in the firstto third embodiments.

On an area 720 (hereinafter referred to as upper area) upper than and onan area 730 (hereinafter referred to as lower area) lower than thetouch-panel display 710, capacitance keys are arranged. The capacitancekeys are configured as shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, similar to home key 204of the first embodiment. It is noted, however, that on the upper surfaceof protruding portion of the light transmitting portion forming each key(see protruding portion 330 of light transmitting portion 322 shown inFIG. 10), a figure, character or the like different from home key 204 isformed.

Referring to FIG. 18, on upper area 720, COPY key 722, SCAN key 724 andFAX key 726 are arranged. When these keys are touched, settings screenimages of the corresponding functions are displayed on touch-paneldisplay 710. Here, a total of six LED elements are arranged, above andbelow each of the COPY key 722, SCAN key 724 and FAX key 726. Betweenthe neighboring keys, a light shielding portion (see FIG. 5) is providedto prevent leakage of light. Alternatively, a total of two LED elementsmay be arranged on the left side of COPY key 722 and on the right sideof FAX key 726. In that case, the light shielding portion (see FIG. 5)is arranged to cover COPY key 722, SCAN key 724 and FAX key 726 as awhole, and not provided between neighboring keys.

On lower area 730, a selection key 732 is arranged. Selection key 732 isto enter an instruction of four directions, that is, up, down, left andright and to enter an instruction of selection determination, to theimage processing apparatus. The instruction of up, down, left and rightfour directions can be given by touching the four areas havingindication of triangles. The determination is done by touching theportion having the letters “OK.” By way of example, it is possible forthe user to select from a plurality of options displayed on touch-paneldisplay 710, by using selection key 732.

Similar to home key 204 of the first embodiment, selection key 732 isconfigured to have a light guiding portion (light transmitting portionand light shielding portion) and a circuit board, as shown in FIGS. 5 to12. As shown in FIG. 19, at an upper surface 702 (see FIG. 10) of theprotruding portion of light transmitting portion forming selection key732, a figure (a figure representing selection key 732) different fromhome key 204 (see FIG. 8) is formed. The hatched portion on the uppersurface 702 of the protruding portion of light transmitting portion isprinted black, while un-hatched portions have no prints and lefttransparent. Referring to FIG. 20, as in the first embodiment, on acircuit board 734 forming selection key 732, two LED elements 736 and738 and five electrode arranging areas 740 to 748 are arranged. In FIG.20, a figure representing the selection key 732 is drawn in dottedlines. On electrode arranging area 740, electrodes for detecting a touchto the portion where “OK” is indicated are arranged, and on fourelectrode arranging areas 742 to 748, switches for detecting a touch tothe four areas having triangles indicated thereon are arranged. Thearrangement of LEDs are not limited to that shown in FIG. 20, and one,or three or more LED elements may be arranged. By way of example, inplace of two LED elements 736 and 738, or in addition to the two LEDelements 736 and 738, two LED elements may be arranged near the outsideof electrode arranging areas 742 and 746.

On the right side area 750 of touch-panel display 710, mechanical keysare arranged. In FIG. 18, an energy saving key 752, ten keys arranged ona ten-key area 754, a clear key 756, a color copy start key 758, amonochrome copy start key 760, and a stop key 762 are arranged. Energysaving key 752 is to cause transition of image processing apparatus to apower saving state or from the power saving state to a normal state.Clear key 756 is for erasing all numerals and signs entered by theten-keys and displayed on touch-panel display 710. Stop key 762 is forstopping execution of a job.

In this manner, in accordance with the operational sensations of thekeys, touch-panel keys (software keys displayed on the touch-paneldisplay), capacitance keys and mechanical keys are arranged in separateareas, whereby it becomes easier for the user to recognize the roles(functions) of the keys, and an operation console having unity and asophisticated look can be provided.

For clearer distinction between these areas, it is preferred to providepartitions such as shown in FIG. 21. On an operation console 770 shownin FIG. 21, between touch-panel display and each of upper and lowerareas and the right area, first, second and third partition lines 772,774 and 776 are arranged. Further, around the touch-panel display, aclear first frame 780 is formed. For the upper, lower and right areas,the second, third and fourth frames 782, 784 and 786 are formed aspartitions, respectively.

By way of example, the first to third partition lines 772 to 776 and thefirst to fourth frames 780 to 786 are printed in a prescribed color orcolors on the surface of operation console. These partitions may beformed as recessed portions or protruding portions by molding.

Though an example in which first to fourth frames 780 to 786 are formedhas been described in the foregoing, it is not limiting. By way ofexample, respective areas may be printed in different colors as shown inFIG. 22. On operation console 790, frames of each area are formed and,in addition, first to fourth areas 792 to 798 inside the frames arecolored in different colors. Therefore, these areas can more clearly bedistinguished. Different areas may be formed of members of differentcolors, rather than printing in different colors.

Further, formation of partition lines, frames and coloring of differentcolors of respective areas may be appropriately combined to distinguishareas on the operation console. For example, the first and secondpartition lines 772 and 774 and first frame 780 may be formed (see FIG.21), and inside of the fourth area 798 (see FIG. 22) may be printed in acolor different from that of first and second partition lines 772 and774 and of the first frame 780.

Further, similar to the first operation portion 200 in accordance withthe first embodiment, the operation console in accordance with thepresent embodiment may have the tilting mechanism to enable change inthe angle of arrangement.

The embodiments as have been described here are mere examples and shouldnot be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of the present invention isdetermined by each of the claims with appropriate consideration of thewritten description of the embodiments and embraces modifications withinthe meaning of, and equivalent to, the languages in the claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, when the user operates keys ofdifferent touching sensations, he/she can easily understand the roles(functions) of the keys without feeling strangeness. Further, the lightemitted from the light source doe not leak from the side surfaces, andit can be radiated efficiently from the upper surface of lighttransmitting portion. Therefore, different from a conventional examplein which portions surrounding the operation key are dimly lit by theleaked light, the operation console comes to have a high-class look.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   100 image processing apparatus    -   110 operation console    -   112 image reading unit    -   114 automatic document feeder    -   116 image processing unit    -   118 paper feed unit    -   120 paper discharge tray    -   200 first operation portion    -   202 touch-panel display    -   204 home key    -   220 second operation portion    -   222 power key    -   224 energy saving key    -   226 LED lamp    -   300 panel    -   302 recessed portion    -   310 circuit board    -   312, 314 LED element    -   316 electrode arranging area    -   320 light guiding portion    -   322 light transmitting portion    -   324 light shielding portion    -   326, 328 LED element receiving portion    -   330 protruding portion

1. (canceled)
 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: an operationconsole, wherein the operation console includes a first touch-operationportion on which a first touch key is arranged, a second touch-operationportion on which a second touch key is arranged, and a thirdtouch-operation portion on which a third touch key is arranged; saidfirst and second touch keys are capacitance keys; said third touch keyis a mechanical key; said second and third touch-operation portions arearranged on opposite sides of said first touch-operation portion; saidfirst touch-operation portion is arranged adjacent to said second andthird touch-operation portions; said first touch-operation portionincludes a display; and said second touch-operation portion is provided,in a depth direction of said operation console viewed from an operatoroperating said operation console, within a length of a display area ofsaid display.
 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,wherein said first touch key is a key that sets a function of said imageforming apparatus; and/or said second touch key is a key that instructsdisplay of a basic screen; and/or said third touch key is a key thatcauses transition of said image forming apparatus to a power savingstate.
 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein atleast a part of said third touch-operation portion is provided outsideof the length of said display area of said display in said depthdirection of said operation console.
 5. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein said operation console further includes apartition that separates said first touch-operation portion and saidsecond touch-operation portion.
 6. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 2, wherein said third touch key includes a key that causestransition of said image forming apparatus to a power saving state, andarranged farther from said operator than said display area of saiddisplay, in said depth direction of said operation console.
 7. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said third touch keyincludes a mechanical execution key that causes said image formingapparatus to execute copying; and said execution key is arranged closerto said operator than said display area of said display in said depthdirection of said operation console.
 8. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein a length of said second touch-operationportion in said depth direction of said operation console is the same asa length of said first touch-operation portion in said depth direction.9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said secondtouch key is a key that instructs display of a basic screen, andarranged farther from said operator than a center of said secondtouch-operation portion in said depth direction of said operationconsole.
 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, whereinsaid second touch-operation portion further includes a job status checkkey that instructs display of job status by said image formingapparatus; and said job status check key is arranged closer to saidoperator than a center of said second touch-operation portion in saiddepth direction of said operation console.
 11. The image formingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first, second and thirdtouch-operation portions have mutually different colors.
 12. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said operation consolefurther includes, on at least a part of an outer circumference of saidfirst touch-operation portion, a linear area of a prescribed widthhaving a color different from the color of said third touch-operationportion.